Son of Hope

Chapter Eleven - Life as the Prince of Wales

I left the two alone and made my way out to the courtyard and asked for my horse to be saddled. I waited as for what was done. Catherine came out.

"Catherine, i thought you were with my brother?" I questioned as my horse was brought forward.

"I was, until my sister came with her anger and bitterness. Now I will return to Durham house. Fetch me my horse."

"Don't." I counter "I will take you. Come." I helped her up then did so myself taking her back to her lodgings. She was quiet the whole way back you could feel the sorrow from her. I pulled to a stop and dropped down.

"My Lady." i offered her my aide, she took it and was helped down. "Might i offer some advice."

"What could you possibly say?" she questioned

"Only that siblings are a fickle thing. We hate and love at the same time. Sometimes we get so caught up in our own pain or feelings in general we become blind and bitter to others. Your sister is hurt. Maybe not by your mothers death but I can see in her eyes there is years upon years of pain. So much I think she does not know what true happiness is. Be mindful of it, take your differences into account and try again."

"Why are you helping me?" she inquired and the corners of my mouth twitched

"Do I need a reason?" I countered back "Can I not just simply help you?"

"No one helped without some sort of reason." I hummed

"Such is the way of royals."

"Is kidnapping also the way of English royals. They refuse to let my sister leave and return home."

"Yes, my father and grandmother foolishly believe that there is a deal to be made with Philip. They think they can bater with him to get his father to trade Edmund de la Poole with us. But the man is a idiot and a slippery one at that. The chances of their negotiations succeeding are slim and even I know that. But they'll stop your sister and her husband from leaving until they get it." her one of guilt and sorrow turned into a smile.

"Why didn't Harry tell me? Joanna can persuade him. It's her who wears the crown. She's the one that Maxamillian will have to trade and make a treaty with. I can have my dowry in exchange for her escape." she kissed my cheek gleefully which left me in a little shock but then she pulled back with a gasp. "I apologise."

"Non necessary." I mounted "I must be going, but be cautious in your endeavour, my lady." i bowed my head and rode away.

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The next day I sat through more pointless negotiations that Philip was worming his way through. That was until the doors opened and Queen Joanna strutted through, we all raised to our feet.

"I have come to trade with you." she declared and father told us to sit which we did. "You want Edmund de la Pole returned? My husband has misled you. His father will do nothing for him, whereas I am Queen of Spain, and Maxamillian needs to keep his treaty with me." I smirked. She had done it, she really had done it. I rose from my chair.

"Your majesty, please take my chair." I offered and she came around as I pulled it out more for her and she took it as i slipped it back in.

"Maxamillian is a christian man and the reason why he will not hand De la Pole over to you is because he thinks he'll lose his head upon your block. Swear on this splinter of the one true cross that his life will be spared, and i will see to that your request is granted." she presented and one of her men brought in a box showing it to my father.

"This is play acting. You don't believe in God."

"No she doesn't." I voice "But what you have something she wants, father." he glanced up to me

"Her ship." I muttered into his ear "That and Maximilian knows we believe in God as he does. Are you positive that he will take you at your word?"

"I am." Joanna replied

"Father this is as close as we have been to any surety of taking De la Pole back. A offer we shouldn't turn down." He hummed then placed his hand on the splitter.

"I, Henry, King of England and lord of Ireland, do swear on this most holy relic stained with the blood of Our Saviour, that no harm shall befall Edmund de la Pole on his return to England so help me God."

"Then I will tell the Emperor he must send him back to England or lose all trade with Spain. The door opened again and Stafford entered, Lady Grandmother became very suspicious.

"Excuse me, gentlemen." she went to exit and curtsied to Joanna "Your highness." I took her seat as the all talked . I listened and observed and a little while after Lady Grandmother returned as we were all about to leave and proposed a new branch of treaty. In which Myself, Harry and Mary were all given betrothals to Joanna's children removing Catherine completely.